There is no age limit when it comes to the application of cannabidiol (CBD) in a person’s daily regimen. Seniors can benefit from the cannabinoid just as much as anyone else, and the ailments that tend to be more prevalent among this demographic make CBD a potentially useful supplement to improve an aging individual’s quality of life.
Here are some ways that seniors may benefit from CBD.
Pain
An aging body tends to experience an increase in aches and pains, which is why many seniors may have a series of pain relievers readily available in their medicine cabinets. But in addition to — or in place of — pharmaceutical medications, seniors may find CBD helpful in easing their pain.
Studies show that CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoids of the endocannabinoid system can help reduce pain, whether the cannabinoid is consumed orally for a more systemic effect or applied topically to target specific areas of discomfort, whether from arthritis, fibromyalgia, circulatory problems, bowel disease, or any other ailment that becomes more prevalent with age. [1]
Glaucoma
Glaucoma encompasses a range of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can hinder good vision. This damage is typically caused by elevated pressure in the eye and is among the leading causes of blindness in those over the age of 60. In fact, the prevalence of the most common type of glaucoma increases with age.
There has been a growing body of evidence to suggest that cannabinoids like CBD may help ward off the damaging effects of glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. [2] In turn, this may help slow the damaging effects of glaucoma.
Alzheimer’s
Researchers are now looking into how CBD may play a role in helping to treat or prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Results of studies conducted thus far show great promise for the cannabinoid and have implied that CBD may suppress the main factors associated with Alzheimer’s, including eliminating a specific toxic protein related to the disease. [3]
Further, scientists suggest that using CBD in conjunction with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may prove even more useful for this purpose.
Bone Health
The elderly are more prone to bone loss as they get older, which can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis that involve the weakening of bones to the point that they may break more easily. Interestingly, CBD may help slow bone loss that can lead to diseases like these.
Studies have shown that cannabinoid receptors are expressed in bone and are involved in the regulation of bone homeostasis in both rats and humans. [4] Using CBD as treatment was linked to enhanced fracture healing in rodents. That said, further validation through clinical trials is warranted.
Image source: Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
References:
- Russo, E.B., “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain“, Ther Clin Risk Manag., February 2008, 4(1): 245–259.
- Tomida, I, et al, “Cannabinoids and glaucoma“, Br J Ophthalmol., May 2004, 88(5): 708–713.
- Kim, S.H., “A Review on Studies of Marijuana for Alzheimer’s Disease – Focusing on CBD, THC“, J Pharmacopuncture, December 2019, 22(4): 225–230.
- Raphael-Mizrahi, B. & Gabet, Y., “The Cannabinoids Effect on Bone Formation and Bone Healing“, Curr Osteoporos Rep., October 2020, 18(5):433-438.
